HPV or Human Papillomavirus Infection

           Several recent high profile cases of cancer resulting from infection with human papillomavirus or HPV have sparked an increased demand for information about this sexually transmitted disease.  In June 2009, actress Farrah Fawcett died of anal cancer and last month actor Michael Douglas announced that he has oral cancer.  Both of these tragic cases have been attributed to human papillomavirus. 

          There are some 100 types of HPVs that infect humans and more than 40 of these can infect the genital tract and anus of males and females.  A subgroup can cause uterine and cervical cancer and are linked with both anal cancer and penile cancer (more than 1,000 new cases in U.S. per year) as well as head and neck cancers.  HPV is spread by sexual contact and the risk increases with the number of sexual partners.  Changing sexual practices have led to a dramatic rise in throat cancer in the past two decades and experts predict an epidemic on the horizon.  Victims of throat cancer are no longer just older individuals as was the case in the past, but have been much younger in recent years. 

          The most common HPV types are HPV-6 and HPV-11 which are considered lower risk, but are responsible for very unpleasant venereal warts or condylomata acuminata and the more ominous HPV-16 and HPV-18 which cause the majority of cervical and anogenital cancers.  

          HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S.  More than 6 million Americans become infected each year and 50% of these are between ages 15 and 25.  More than 50% of all sexually active men and women in the U.S. will be infected with HPV at some time in their life.  HPV infection is mostly asymptomatic and most men and women are not even aware that they have it, partially accounting for its ease of spread.  Venereal warts can be diagnosed be visual inspection, but other types are more difficult to diagnose.  Regular PAP smear testing in women may identify abnormal cells indicating early cervical cancer.  

          There is no known cure for HPV, although many infected individuals with healthy immune systems will rid themselves of the infection within two years.  Condoms do not provide compete protection from HPV.  It is important for young people to understand that oral sex is not safe sex, as some mistakenly believe.  The most reliable method of prevention is abstinence or a traditional monogamous relationship.  For those who are unable to adhere to this recommendation, avoidance of unhealthy sexual practices would be prudent.  Finally, a vaccine has recently been approved by the FDA for ages 9 through 26 which confers immunity against the four most common types of HPV.  Your personal physician can provide information about the risks and benefits of this vaccine.